We hear it all the time. “Put your money in an S&P 500 index fund.” Or, “put your money in a target date fund.” Set it and forget it.

This episode probes the academic origins of passive investing, and walks through pros, cons, and an alternative approach.

Unpacking: Should I Invest in a Low-Cost S&P 500 Index Fund?

Introduction to Index Fund Investing

Origins of Investment Advice

Relevance of Efficient Markets Hypothesis

Should I invest my money in a target date fund?

Concerns with S&P 500 Investments

Understanding Target Date Funds

Modern Portfolio Theory and Its Critiques

Diana's Personal Investing Goals

Alternative Investment Strategies and Tools

What are the different investment strategies discussed, and what are their benefits and drawbacks?

Personalized Investment Approaches

Conclusion and Listener Invitation

The Women’s Investor Community is a place to ask all the money and finance questions - especially the ones that feel hard, embarrassing, or complex. 

It's a place to get well-researched, forward-thinking investment ideas that move the world to a better place. And it's a place to let your guard down - to finally feel like you can live in your authenticity AND be financially successful.

If you have a personal finance question, please feel free to get in touch at www.dianarichey.com.

About the Host: 

Diana Richey is a nationally recognized personal finance expert. She is passionate about helping people take control of their finances and invest in conscious companies. As a financial planner and tax lawyer with over two decades of experience, she has worked with individuals and represented multinational corporations on everything from sustainable investing to international tax planning to charitable giving.

Diana earned a B.A. with honors from The University of Chicago and a J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Project Management Professional (PMP®), trained mediator, and FINRA arbitrator. She sits on the Board of Nature and Culture International, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to preserving wild places.

She lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with her husband, young son, and dog.

LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX NOTICE: This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal advice, investment advice or tax advice. The reader should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for obtaining specific legal or tax advice from their own legal or tax advisors.